Now some for rafters a long way had been; And, as the sun had sunk into the West, The women had prepared their table clean, Well laden, as before, with food; the best Which they had power to furnish in that wild wood-nest.
XVIII.
Warm thanks are given: the workers fall to work To do full justice to that savory meal.
No wicked feelings in their bosoms lurk Against the family; but they strongly feel They have an interest in all their weal, And freely speak of coming back next day The house to finish; kindly thus they deal With those dear folks--who wish them still to stay-- And they will sing awhile, to cheer them on their way.
XIX.
To this they all consented; then arose Song after song, in praise of Jesus" name!
Such songs can lighten e"en our saddest woes, And raise in human hearts a heavenly flame.
Six men there were who, from that night, became Quite altered characters--as all might see.
For Gospel Truth can e"en a savage tame; Though this to some men seems a mystery-- Such have not seen themselves sunk in depravity.
XX.
The singing o"er, the good man said, "Let"s pray."
All down beside him reverently knelt; It was a proper close for such a day-- As all engaged must then have deeply felt.
And oh, the language of that prayer did melt Some stony hearts, as I in truth would tell: For GOODWORTH on G.o.d"s love and mercy dwelt-- On coming judgment--and on Heaven and h.e.l.l-- Till every one seemed bound as by the strongest spell.
XXI.
This done, those neighbors--though reluctantly-- Took leave of that most happy household there: And were as pleased as any men could be They were allowed such company to share.
"Twas Spring time, and the still and balmy air Was most refreshing to the wearied frame; And Luna"s brightness, though quite free from glare, Enabled them to see which way they came-- For staying rather late they would incur no blame.
XXII.
The morning came, and with alacrity Came settlers also, ready as before To help the welcome new-come family Whose strange, deep news had made their hearts so sore.
And now the labor of the day each bore As if his own advantage he would seek.
Some went to roofing, some to fix the door And windows, and with hearts and arms not weak, They make the work fly fast, scarce leaving time to speak.
XXIII.
The muster, greater this day than the last, Left some hands free to clear a piece of ground; And these, with brush-hooks, o"er two acres pa.s.sed, Making good riddance of what brush they found.
They then cut down some poles and fenced it round.
The family, too, were busy all this while, For they were moved with grat.i.tude profound To show their thankfulness in many a smile.
Their happy faces do the laborers" hearts beguile.
XXIV.
The meal-times pa.s.sed with pleasure and some profit; Naught did occur to mar the harmony.
If there were whisky every one kept off it, And all confessed they worked more easily.
Too often liquor in the woods we see, And much vile mischief is it apt to do When neighbors come to help at Logging-bee, Or to a.s.sist each other at the plow.
It pleases me to see this practice broken through.
XXV.
The Country would have reason to rejoice If not a drop were as a beverage used, And I would not be slow to raise my voice Till Temperance principles are more diffused.
For this by some folks I may be abused, But where"s the harm? I seek alone their good, And cannot be by conscience well excused If I refuse my aid to stem the flood Which drowns its thousands of our common brotherhood.
XXVI.
But to return: The work had so well sped, And the new house was so far on the way Toward completion, that the family"s head Thought they might safely move that very day, But first enquired what there would be to pay?
The neighbors smiled and kept the secret close, And what the bill was none thought fit to say.
For satisfaction "he must ask the _Boss_."
To tell who _that_ was every one felt quite at loss.
XXVII.
Is this exaggeration? Witness now, Ye far backwoodsmen--much too oft belied, Are ye inclined these things to disavow?
Or will my statements be by you denied?
If not they stand for truth both far and wide, And your example may be found of use In leading others quickly to decide That they for ignorance have no excuse In this enlightened age, when Knowledge is diffuse.
XXVIII.
I need not mention every little thing That was required to make the house complete.
My humble Muse would now attempt to sing Of subjects which to her are far more sweet.
The Pastor happy lived in his retreat, Preaching on Sabbath, in a school-house near.
There many came who could not get a seat, And such large audience did the Pastor cheer, Who spoke to them with zeal--for they to him were dear.
XXIX.
I may be asked, "What was this man"s persuasion?
Was he a Churchman or a Methodist?"
I answer make without the least evasion, He owned no "ism," nor yet "ite," nor "ist."
But if on further knowledge you insist, I only say that he was glad to own The "Blood-bought Throng" wherever they exist.
Nor did he scruple to let this be known, The BIBLE still the Source from which his creed was drawn.
x.x.x.
From it he gathered that ev"n two or three Met in Christ"s name a Church of G.o.d do make; That, when so met, they have full liberty On each Lord"s Day the Bread and Wine to take.
All vain traditions they in this forsake, But get rich blessing from the King of Kings.
And in that lonely house near Huron"s Lake, The family enjoyed the bliss which springs From means well used, and these afresh each Sabbath brings.
x.x.xI.
The six of whom I spoke some pages back, Sought early fellowship with that small band.
These of great sorrow had displayed no lack, And now as Christians publicly they stand, Unto Christ"s work they give each heart and hand, And one of them called Luth, possessed of means, Resolved at once to give a piece of land On which to build a chapel, midst sweet scenes; A very central place, and near two deep ravines.
x.x.xII.
Nor was this all; he gave some good pine trees And other requisites to build the place; The work he knew would all be done by "Bees."
The friends the opportunity embrace To make the matter fully known all round.
Strong opposition they had now to face From those who rather would in sin be found, And such cared nothing for the glorious Gospel sound.
x.x.xIII.
The Minister proposed to wait awhile, Till this grave subject could be well discussed.
He wished that none would act from motives vile, For popularity he did not l.u.s.t, And in his Father he could always trust; Advised to seek G.o.d"s mind by earnest prayer, In generosity to be still just; By such means only could they hope to share G.o.d"s constant approbation and His guardian care.